Insecurity: Nigeria won’t negotiate with terrorists — FG

Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering position that it will not engage in negotiations with terrorist groups, declaring that the only means of dealing with such entities is through decisive military action. This statement was made by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, during her participation in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union in Luanda, Angola. The summit, which brought together leaders from across the continent, focused on addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and conflict prevention. The minister emphasized that Nigeria's approach to combating terrorism is rooted in the belief that terrorists respond only to the language of defeat. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit, she stated that the Nigerian delegation aimed to ensure that the nation's anti-terrorism strategy gained recognition among other African Union members. Nigeria's Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, attended the summit on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, reinforcing the country's firm stance on regional security issues. The summit's primary objective was to strengthen mechanisms for preventing conflicts and countering terrorism and violent extremism. Nigeria's delegation, led by the vice-president and comprising key ministers, outlined several key positions, including zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and a commitment to supporting the African Peace Fund. The delegation also advocated for increasing the fund's capitalization from $405 million to $1 billion, highlighting Nigeria's dedication to promoting peace across the continent. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated that Nigeria's leadership under President Tinubu is resolute in its fight against terrorism. She noted that the president's administration does not employ lenient tactics in its efforts to combat terrorism. Instead, the government insists that the only viable solution is to confront terrorists militarily, as they are perceived to lack understanding of negotiation, mediation, or appeals to reason, compassion, or conscience. In addition to discussing counter-terrorism strategies, the Nigerian delegation underscored its commitment to democratic principles within Africa. The minister expressed Nigeria's strong opposition to any form of unconstitutional change of government, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and legitimacy in governance. This stance aligns with Nigeria's broader goal of fostering peace and security throughout the African continent. The summit provided a platform for African nations to collaborate on measures aimed at enhancing regional security and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies. Nigeria's participation in the summit reflects its active role in shaping continental policies related to conflict resolution and counter-terrorism. By advocating for increased funding for the African Peace Fund, Nigeria seeks to bolster collective efforts to maintain peace and stability across the region. As discussions continue at the summit, representatives from various countries are expected to deliberate on practical steps to enhance cooperation in addressing common security challenges. Nigeria's firm stance on non-negotiation with terrorists underscores its determination to pursue a robust and uncompromising approach to national and regional security.